MA in Culture, Society, Thought - Eligibility, Syllabus, Admission Process, Fees, Scope

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has introduced a new Master of Arts (MA) programme in Culture, Society, and Thought, expanding its academic offerings beyond STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. This interdisciplinary course is designed to critically examine cultural dynamics, social structures, and philosophical thought through a blend of humanities and social sciences.

The programme was officially launched in July 2024, with the first batch commencing in August 2024. This programme is designed for thinkers who want to critically engage with tomorrow’s social challenges while having unique access to IIT Delhi’s technological resources. It’s particularly valuable for those seeking to bridge humanities scholarship with practical interventions in society.

M.A. in Culture, Society, and Thought is a unique and forward-thinking programme designed for students who want to explore the humanities and social sciences in a fresh way. Instead of sticking to old-fashioned divisions between subjects, this course encourages interdisciplinary learning—helping students connect ideas from different fields such as sociology, philosophy, history, and media studies.

MA in Culture, Society, Thought Important Dates

• GATE scorecard 2025- March 28 to May 31, 2025
• Availability of Score Cards for download by paying a fee of Rs. 500 per test paper- June 1 to December 31, 2025

MA in Culture, Society, Thought course details- Key Highlights

MA in Culture, Society, Thought Eligibility Criteria

In the table mentioned below, the eligibility criteria for the MA in Culture, Society, and Thought programme at IIT Delhi, are presented clearly for prospective applicants. For this programme the written test also requires evaluation of critical thinking, analytical writing, and general awareness of sociocultural issues.

MA in Culture, Society, Thought Admission Process

The admission process for IIT Delhi’s MA in Culture, Society, and Thought is designed to identify students with strong analytical abilities, interdisciplinary curiosity, and a passion for critical humanities research. In this programme, final-year students can apply but must submit degree proof before joining. Below is a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1- Review the Course- Before applying students should examine the programme structure, faculty expertise, and research focus areas and Understand the interdisciplinary nature of combining humanities, social sciences, and technology studies.

Step 2- Eligibility Requirements- once deciding the college students must have a Bachelor's degree (any discipline) with a minimum of 55 per cent marks (50 per cent for SC/ST/PwD) or equivalent.

Step 3- Application Form- Candidates can fill an online form available at the IIT Delhi Humanities & Social Sciences department portal. After that students are required to have documents such as a graduation degree, and college certificate.

Step 4- Entrance Examinations- There is a written test and interview at IIT Delhi. Entrance examination is about critical thinking through essay questions, analytical writing skills, socio-cultural awareness

Step 5- GDPI- In addition to these examinations, all students who meet the eligibility criteria would be required to appear for at least one of two entrance examinations such as the GATE or MA CST Entrance Exam. There is also an interview process for final selection.

Step 6- Course Fees And Relevant Documents- Shortlisted candidates should pay the course fees and submit the relevant documents.

Top MA in Culture, Society, Thought Entrance Examinations

The entrance examinations for MA in culture, society, and thought degree can be conducted by IIT Delhi. GATE is one of the most popular national-level examinations for various exams. In the table below, we have mentioned top entrance examinations for MA programmes in Culture, Society, and Thought (or similar interdisciplinary humanities/social science programmes) in India.

MA in Culture, Society, Thought Cut Off

The cut-off for admission to IIT Delhi’s MA in Culture, Society, and Thought varies each year based on the applicant’s competitiveness, institutional seat availability, and reservation policies. While exact cut-offs are not publicly disclosed, past trends suggest that General category candidates typically require a 65-75 per cent aggregate score (combining written test and interview performance), while OBC candidates may need 60-70 per cent, and SC/ST/PwD candidates often qualify with 55-65 per cent.

Syllabus of MA in Culture, Society, Thought

The syllabus of the MA in culture, society, and thought course is divided into two years and is spread across four semesters. The course curriculum includes subjects such as Philosophical Thinking, Contemporary Social Theory, Political Thought, and Basics of Programming for Digital Humanities. In the following table, we have mentioned the semester-wise syllabus of the MA in culture, society and thought.

MA in Culture, Society, Thought 1st Year Syllabus

The MA in Culture, Society, and Thought is a dynamic, interdisciplinary programme that explores how culture, society, and ideas shape our world. In the first year, students build a strong foundation by studying key theories, research methods, and current debates. The courses are designed to help students think critically about real-world issues.

MA in Culture, Society, Thought 2nd Year Syllabus

The second year of the MA in Culture, Society, and Thought builds upon the foundational theories and methodologies of the first year, pushing students toward deeper specialisation, independent research, and advanced critical analysis. This phase of the programme is designed to cultivate original thought, refine scholarly voice, and engage with cutting-edge debates across interdisciplinary fields.

MA in Culture, Society, Thought Fee Structure

The MA in Culture, Society, and Thought at IIT Delhi follows a semester-wise fee structure that is significantly subsidised compared to private universities, making it accessible while maintaining world-class interdisciplinary education. The fees of an M.A. in culture, society, and thought course range is rs. 1.19 lakhs (approx) with slight variations based on category.

Scope of MA in Culture, Society, Thought

Culture, society and thought is a broad field. The MA in Culture, Society, and Thought offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary scope, equipping graduates with critical analytical skills applicable across academia, cultural sectors, policy-making, and emerging tech-humanities fields. This programme bridges traditional humanities with contemporary societal challenges, making its scope both intellectually rigorous and professionally versatile.

After completing the course, Graduates will have the training to apply for jobs in a range of government and non-governmental organisations, research institutes, and think tanks. They will also be able to apply for jobs in media, publishing, journalism, advocacy, social entrepreneurship organisations, and development consultancy firms.

Career Options After M.A In Culture, Society, Thought

an M.A in culture, society, and thought equips graduates with critical thinking, interdisciplinary research skills, and socio-cultural awareness, making them valuable across diverse fields. Students can choose careers depending on their future goals and aspirations. Below are the top career paths students can opt for better growth.

(Source- ambition box)

Top Recruiters

• Oxfam

• The Hindu

• Google India

• Ministry of Culture,

• Netflix India

• Kiran Nadar Museum

• Google Arts & Culture

• NITI Aayog, Ministry of Culture)

• TCS Research

Average Salary After M.A In Culture, Society, Thought

Graduates with an MA in Culture, Society, and Thought can expect varying salary ranges depending on their career path, experience, and sector. In academia and research (e.g., as lecturers or research associates), entry-level salaries typically range with experience or PhD qualifications. In the development and NGO sector, roles like programme officers or policy analysts offer good salaries initially.

The corporate and tech-adjacent roles, such as UX researchers or diversity consultants, tend to be more lucrative, and private media, publishing, and tech firms provide higher compensation for specialised skills. Overall, salaries grow significantly with expertise, networking, and interdisciplinary adaptability, making this degree versatile for both intellectual and financially rewarding careers.

Benefits of Studying M.A In Culture, Society, Thought

An MA in Culture, Society, and Thought is an interdisciplinary postgraduate programme that equips students with critical thinking, research skills, and socio-cultural awareness, making it highly valuable in today’s rapidly changing world. This degree bridges humanities, social sciences, and technology, preparing graduates for diverse careers in academia, media, policy, and corporate sectors.

An MA in Culture, Society, and Thought is not just a degree—it’s a toolkit for understanding and shaping the world. Whether students want to teach, research, influence policy, or innovate in the cultural sector, this programme provides the intellectual foundation and practical skills to succeed.

This degree doesn’t just train students to observe society—it empowers students to change it.